In recent years the prediction and control of far field noise immission from live open air events has become a serious topic. Gaining permission and licensing to stage such productions often requires an official statement, predicting how the noise will impact on surrounding areas. The introduction of the far field noise immission modelling software, d&b NoizCalc, addresses this issue, taking the d&b promise of predictable, precise performance another step further.

NoizCalc models the sound propagation of coherently emitting complex sources such as line arrays and subwoofer arrays from multiple stages in the regions outside of the audience listening area and applies the results onto a 3D terrain map. This PC based software predicts the calculated far field impact of a d&b loudspeaker setup in the open air, by applying the ISO 9613-2 and Nord 2000 standards. Using meteorological and geographical data, NoizCalc is the result of the collaborative efforts of d&b audiotechnik and noise consulting and software development experts SoundPLAN GmbH. SoundPLANnoise applies an extended range of accredited worldwide standards along comprehensive reporting tools to satisfy the need for an official noise immission statement. The next version the software is able to import d&b system setups from ArrayCalc.

Both NoizCalc and SoundPLANnoise import d&b ArrayCalc simulation software project files, including complex data describing the relationships between sources and their combined performance, allowing loudspeaker systems to be virtually situated and oriented within 3D terrain models for realistic prediction.

Werner “Vier” Bayer, d&b Product Manager said: “Our collaboration with SoundPLAN comes at a time when noise immission is becoming a major consideration in the planning of outdoor events. This free d&b software will enable system designers to investigate how their setup will impact on the wider area by modelling immission patterns ahead of time. NoizCalc forms the basis for a common understanding between those who create emissions: the loudspeaker system designers and technicians and the environmental noise and immission specialists, who consider the impact on the wider ecology.“

Further information and video tutorials will be available from 5th April 2016 when NoizCalc will also be available to download at www.dbaudio.com.